Asm. Margie Donlon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 178) condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget over ten years, specifically targeting healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare), education, and SNAP benefits. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject the House resolution, citing potential severe impacts on New Jersey residents who rely on these programs: approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate-income people use NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and 830,000 receive SNAP food assistance. The resolution states that funding cuts could reduce federal Medicaid support by up to $5.2 billion and threaten SNAP benefits through eligibility restrictions or benefit limits. As a procedural resolution, it does not change laws but expresses New Jersey's opposition to the proposed cuts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5342) requires New Jersey's Office of Homelessness Prevention to partner with county agencies or nonprofits in every county to issue state-recognized identification and assist with obtaining birth certificates for people experiencing homelessness. It directly affects homeless individuals across New Jersey who lack essential identification needed for housing, employment, and services. The key mechanism is a $2 million state appropriation, distributed based on each county's homeless population, to fund these partnerships and enable direct access to birth certificates through the State Office of Vital Statistics. This creates a concrete pathway for homeless residents to secure critical documents they often cannot access otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey - covering hospital services, medical care, health maintenance organizations, and state/school employee health programs - to cover diagnosis and treatment for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). It mandates coverage for specific treatments including antibiotics, behavioral therapies, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, as prescribed by a physician. The coverage must be provided at the same level as for other medical conditions, without additional cost barriers. This directly affects children diagnosed with PANDAS or PANS and their insurance providers across all covered plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey municipalities from requiring beach tags or admission passes for surfers and fishermen accessing the wet sandy beach area below the mean high tide line for recreational surfing or fishing. It directly affects individuals engaging in these specific activities on public beaches. The key provision bans municipal requirements for tags in this zone, regardless of existing local laws or regulations. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment. It does not impact other beach access rules or recreational uses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases income and resource thresholds for Medicaid eligibility, primarily affecting older adults, disabled individuals, and those needing long-term care services. It raises the income limit for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) program from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level (from $15,060 to $20,783 annually for an individual). The bill also increases resource limits from current levels ($4,000 for ABD and Medically Needy, $2,000 for MLTSS, $9,090 for Medicare Savings Programs) to $40,000 for individuals and $60,000 for couples. These changes will expand Medicaid access for more New Jersey residents who qualify under these eligibility groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid program) to reimburse licensed clinical pharmacists for comprehensive medication management (CMM) services provided to medically complex pediatric patients (children with complex medical conditions). CMM services include reviewing all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements), developing personalized medication plans, monitoring adherence, and providing follow-up consultations to ensure safety and effectiveness. The bill establishes that pharmacists must have completed a clinical residency to qualify, removes the requirement for pharmacists to have a written agreement with a physician, and mandates the state to create value-based reimbursement contracts and a quality assurance program to monitor service outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-5086) changes penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from criminal offenses to civil fines. It applies directly to: (1) minors who gamble at casinos/simulcasting facilities (under age 21), (2) casino employees/licensees who allow underage gambling, and (3) adults who permit minors under their care to gamble. The key provisions set fines at up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offenses. All collected fines will fund gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment programs through the Department of Human Services, specifically supporting initiatives like those run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3879) requires all emergency departments in New Jersey general hospitals and licensed satellite emergency departments to post visible signs and distribute pamphlets about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The Commissioner of Health, working with the Attorney General, must create clear, easy-to-understand materials listing VCCO services, contact details, and how to file a claim. These materials must be provided to individuals treated in emergency rooms following a crime. The law directly affects crime victims seeking compensation assistance after an emergency room visit. It takes effect four months after enactment.